2010 seems to be continuing in the same vein as 2009 for beleaguered Scottish cricket chiefs, after their believed major target was called up to the Australia national squad.

Tasmanian batsman George Bailey had been lined up to play as Scotland's overseas player in this year's Pro40 campaign, but this now looks increasingly unlikely after his elevation into the senior Australian camp for their series with New Zealand.

Bailey was a major success for Scotland when he played in 2007, scoring 274 runs in nine innings, with a top score of 92 against Durham.

That season he topped the SNCL batting averages, playing for Grange. In 13 innings he scored 765 runs at an average of 95.62, hitting four fifties, and three centuries.

With time running out to secure a top level player, bosses may now have to lower their sights considerably, with the option of using a club's signed professional now appearing more likely.